EX-MP'S MURDER
Police have new witness who is 'key to solving entire case'
Claim he has details of the planning
Police have a new witness who knows all the details behind the May 27 murder of former MP Kobkul Nopamornbodee in Ratchaburi, they said yesterday. "The unidentified witness is a key to solving the entire murder case," said Pol Maj-General Assawin Khwanmueng. "He knows all the details in the planning and the process of identifying the victim to the gunmen," said Assawin, a lead investigator in the case. Two men initially believed to be the gunmen - Jamron Omthong and his son Suppharit - were yesterday granted temporary release on bail after investigators learned that the pair did not kill the former Thai Rak Thai MP. Police spokesman Ajiravid Subarnbhesaj said the confessions of other suspects in the plot had identified the two gunmen. He said the suspects who could provide the most useful details would be offered immunity from prosecution. Ajiravid said police would not summons outgoing Ratchaburi Senator Napintorn Srisunpang as long as there was no evidence against him. Jamron, a kamnan in neighbouring Phetchaburi province, and his son were released on bail of Bt2 million. Police have yet to file any criminal charges against them. The first suspect arrested, Anont Phanrat, remains in police custody after a court denied his request for release. Police divers retrieved a standard M-16 rifle from the Mae Klong River at midnight on Thursday after an intensive search. Anont said the rifle was one of two thrown into the river by the gunmen after they fled the murder scene. The 16 rounds found in the rifle's magazine have serial numbers that match those found on casings found at the crime scene. Police are searching for the second M-16 rifle they believe was used in the murder. Meanwhile, the investigation into the death of suspect Sa-ngad Phumpheng continues. Police said they found fingerprints other than Sa-ngad's on the plastic pesticide bottle that contained a mix of beer and pesticide, which he drank before dying. An examination is under way to determine whether the fingerprints belong to the person who sold the pesticide.
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